PSR chapters speak out at EPA hearings on particulate matter

PSR chapters on both coasts testified before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently, calling for stricter national air quality standards on toxic particulate matter air pollution.

Two representatives of PSR Philadelphia – board member Walter Tsou M.D. and Cherie Eichholz, executive director -- spoke on July 17th in front of regulators at the Philadelphia. They were joined by Cindy Parker, M.D. MPH, of Chesapeake PSR (Baltimore). Harry Wang M.D., executive director of PSR Sacramento, and seven of his colleagues testified at the EPA’s July 19 hearing on the west coast.

PSR is calling on the EPA to tighten the standards for small particulate air pollution, one of the deadliest pollutants.

Stronger standards would have a greater impact in preventing premature deaths, heart attacks, and hospital and emergency room visits. Please add your voice to PSR’s call for more health-protective standards.

Dr. Wang in his testimony described his experience of sleepless nights with his daughter who suffers from chronic asthma. “My wife and I will never forget how terrified we were when she was being admitted to the hospital gasping for air and needing extra oxygen.”

Cherie Eichholz shared her experience of her partner’s daily struggle with asthma, adding, “EPA needs to do more to guarantee clean air for everyone and strengthen PM standards to protect the health of millions of Americans, as the Clean Air Act Requires.”

Photos of the hearings, complete testimonies by Dr. Wang, Cherie Eichholz and additional testimonies by Sacramento PSR members Robin Kristufek, RN and Michael Monasky, RRT are available below.